Middle Eastern carrier announces fleet expansion
Qatar Airways has ordered two additional Boeing 777-200 long range aircraft as part of its continued growth plans. The order is valued at US$501 million.
The Doha-based airline also brought forward delivery of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with the first to arrive from the fourth quarter of next year.
The airline expects to have five 787 aircraft in service by the end of the first quarter of 2012. The Dreamliner will operate the airline’s regional and medium-haul flights.
Qatar Airways now has firm orders for 10 Boeing 777s and a further three on option with the US aircraft manufacturer.
Speaking at the Farnborough Air Show this week, Qatar Airways chief executive officer Akbar Al Baker said that the airline was continuing with its ambitious growth plans, undeterred by the difficult global economic situation.
“Air travel demand is continuing to rise in the Middle East and it is becoming clear that international demand is returning as the global economy shows signs of recovery,” said Al Baker.
“We continue to invest in new aircraft and new routes and will be well positioned for the upturn in air travel with a fleet fully optimised for economic and environmentally friendly operations.
“The additional two Boeing 777-200s will help us open up new ultra long-haul markets as we expand and identify new opportunities further.”
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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